Officials: Avoid unsafe driving on New Year’s Eve

By TABITHA CLARK - Daily News Staff

Published: Sunday, December 30, 2012 at 06:00 AM.

Law enforcement officials in Onslow County want to remind drivers that while the end of the year brings fun and celebration, there still needs to be a focus on getting to and from gatherings in a safe manner.

Beth Purcell, media liaison for the Jacksonville Department of Public Safety, stated in a press release that in 2011, 365 North Carolinians lost their lives to drinking and driving, a decrease of 6.17 percent from 2010.

Sgt. Shannon Whaley of the North Carolina Highway Patrol stressed good judgment when driving, especially on New Year’s Eve.

Whaley wanted to remind the public that the acceptable legal level of alcohol for anyone under 21 is zero. “You can be charged for 0.01 percent(blood alcohol content).”

While the legal limit for adults to blow in a breathalyzer is 0.08 percent, Whaley said people can blow below 0.08 and still be arrested.

“You can simply have alcohol in your system and have a noticeable impairment, like the inability to perform a task like walking a straight line or reciting the alphabet, and still be considered impaired or having impaired judgment,” he said.

Law enforcement officials in Onslow County want to remind drivers that while the end of the year brings fun and celebration, there still needs to be a focus on getting to and from gatherings in a safe manner.

Beth Purcell, media liaison for the Jacksonville Department of Public Safety, stated in a press release that in 2011, 365 North Carolinians lost their lives to drinking and driving, a decrease of 6.17 percent from 2010.

Sgt. Shannon Whaley of the North Carolina Highway Patrol stressed good judgment when driving, especially on New Year’s Eve.

Whaley wanted to remind the public that the acceptable legal level of alcohol for anyone under 21 is zero. “You can be charged for 0.01 percent(blood alcohol content).”

While the legal limit for adults to blow in a breathalyzer is 0.08 percent, Whaley said people can blow below 0.08 and still be arrested.

“You can simply have alcohol in your system and have a noticeable impairment, like the inability to perform a task like walking a straight line or reciting the alphabet, and still be considered impaired or having impaired judgment,” he said.

“When alcohol is introduced into the body, the first thing to go is judgment,” Whaley said. “Driving while under the influence can take on being impaired from prescription medication, mixing those medications with alcohol and taking illegal drugs.”

When it comes down to it, safe driving during the New Year’s Eve holiday is about personal responsibility, Whaley said.

“People get behind the wheel impaired, and they end up hurting themselves or someone else,” he said. “It is about personal responsibility. If you’re going to drink, don’t drive.”

He said to be responsible and have a plan. “If you’re going to go out, have a plan of action — get a cab or have lodging available — something to protect you.. Make plans before you start drinking…before you’re judgment gets impaired.”

The JPD stated that those who are planning to drink should designate a non-drinker to drive home. They also stated that people can keep the number of a taxi cab company in their wallet or programmed into their cellphone and to call a friend or family member if you have been drinking.

“Take car keys away from friends or relatives who have had too much to drink,” the release stated. “Hosting a party? Offer non-alcoholic drinks and plenty of food. The responsibility of a safe party lies with the host.”

The JPD is an active participant in the NC Governor’s Highway Safety “Holiday Booze It and Lose It” initiative and will be on the roads during New Year’s Eve. The N.C. State Highway Patrol will be setting up random checkpoints throughout New Year’s Eve to check for violations and will have their patrols on the roadways.

The overall message is to be safe and pay attention.

“In my 20 years of service, I’ve never seen an accident that couldn’t have been prevented,” Whaley said. “Accidents can be prevented by exercising some due caution and driving defensively.”

Contact Daily News Reporter Tabitha Clark at 910-219-8454 or Tabitha.Clark@jdnews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TabithaLClark or friend her on Facebook.

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New Year’s Eve safety tips

The Jacksonville Police Department suggests the following tips to ensure safety on New Year’s Eve:

· Designate non-drinking drivers who can get everyone home safely.

· Call a friend or family member for a ride home if you’ve been drinking.

· Keep a taxicab company telephone number in your wallet or programmed into your cell phone so you can call for a ride home.

· Take car keys away from friends and relatives who have had too much to drink.